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Endoscopy is a procedure that involves using an endoscope to visually explore the internal structures of a specific body part. An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera attached to its end. Endoscopy allows for non-invasive or minimally invasive examination and intervention within the body, providing valuable insights into various organs and areas such as the digestive tract, respiratory system, urinary system, and more.
Healthy Matters has partnered up with the Adventist Medical Center to share with you this complete guide to endoscopy in Hong Kong.
Endoscopy is a medical procedure that allows a doctor to examine visualize and assess various organs and areas inside the body with an endoscope, which can be inserted into the body through a natural opening such as the mouth and anus.
Types of endoscopies
Type | Body parts examined | Inserted through |
Gastroscopy | Esophagus, stomach and duodenum | Mouth |
Colonoscopy | Entire colon and the terminal portion of small bowel | Anus |
Having a stressful lifestyle, many people in Hong Kong are not unfamiliar with gastrointestinal symptoms. However, serious diseases like stomach cancer and colon cancer can be easily mistaken for other common illnesses such as acid reflux, gastritis or gastric ulcers because they show no or non-specific symptoms in their early stages. In this case, endoscopy plays a crucial role in early detection and accurate diagnosis of diseases.
Your doctor may recommend a gastroscopy if you are suffering from peptic ulcer disease or bleeding, suspected esophageal and gastric cancer, symptoms of indigestion, acid reflux or difficulty in swallowing.
On the other hand, a colonoscopy is commonly recommended for people over the age of 50 as a screening test for colon cancer. It can also be used to diagnose and treat conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, polyps, and colon cancer.
If you have been experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or rectal bleeding, your doctor may recommend both a gastroscopy and colonoscopy to help diagnose the underlying condition.
These procedures can provide valuable information about the state of your digestive system and help your doctor develop an appropriate treatment plan. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of these procedures with your doctor before proceeding.
Here is an overview of what typically happens during each procedure:
Gastroscopy (Upper endoscopy) procedure
1. Preparation: Before the procedure, you will need to fast for at least 6 hours and refrain from heavy drinking, smoking and using sedatives. You should inform the medical staff of any major medical problems, current medications and allergic history.
2. Anesthesia: Anesthesia options such as intravenous sedation (IVS) or monitored anesthesia care (MAC) may be provided. Additionally, a local anesthetic will be sprayed to numb your throat, promoting relaxation during the procedure.
3. Insertion of the endoscope: The endoscope will be inserted through your mouth and guided down your throat into your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
4. Examination: As the endoscope is guided through your body, images of the inside of your body will be displayed on a screen, allowing the doctor to examine the area in real-time. The doctor may take tissue samples (biopsies) or remove polyps or other growths if necessary.
5. Completion of the procedure: Once the examination is complete, the endoscope will be removed. You will be closely monitored for a brief period to ensure there are no complications. The effects of the anesthesia typically last for approximately an hour, so it is important for patients to continue fasting until the anesthesia has fully worn off. This precaution helps prevent any potential choking hazards associated with consuming food or fluids.
Colonoscopy procedure
1. Preparation: Before the procedure, you will need to follow a low-residue diet for 3 days, and you will need to drink liquid purgatives to help clear your bowel. Iron supplements should be avoided for at least 1 week before the procedure. You should inform the medical staff of any major medical problems, current medications and allergic history.
2. Anesthesia: Anesthesia options such as intravenous sedation (IVS) or monitored anesthesia care (MAC) may be provided. You will be given intravenous sedation to alleviate your anxiety and discomfort. Lubricant will then be applied to the anal region.
3. Insertion of the endoscope: The endoscope will be inserted through your anus to examine the colon.
4. Examination: As the endoscope is guided through your colon, images of the inside of your colon will be displayed on a screen, allowing the doctor to examine the area in real-time. The doctor may take tissue samples (biopsies) or remove polyps or other growths if necessary.
5. Completion of the procedure: Once the examination is complete, the endoscope will be removed. You will be monitored for a short period of time to ensure there is no complication. You should resume oral intake only after the effect of anesthetic or sedative has worn off.
In both cases, the entire procedure typically takes less than an hour to complete. You may need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure. Avoid operating heavy machinery or making important decisions for the rest of the day. It is important to discuss any concerns or questions you have with your doctor prior to the procedure.
Endoscopy Packages are available at the Adventist Medical Center. Their packages include gastroscopy and colonoscopy for checking gastrointestinal tract problems such as polyps, ulcers, inflammatory bowel diseases, hemorrhoids, H. pylori bacteria infection and cancers.
Click here for a complete list of checkup items and prices of their Endoscopy Package.
For more information about the health assessment package and imaging services at the Adventist Medical Center, please contact their dedicated Patient Service Team via Whatsapp 6119 1217(Causeway Bay) or 9316 7110(Taikoo Place)or call 2782 2202 (Causeway Bay) or 2309 5000 (Taikoo Place). Alternatively, you can make an online appointment for health assessment and specialty services.
This article is brought to you in partnership with the Adventist Medical Center. It is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
This article was independently written by Healthy Matters. It is informative only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be relied upon for specific medical advice.
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